Shared Action Learning (SAL)

Shared Action Learning (SAL)

Shared Action Learning (SAL) is an approach used to sustain community development projects through partnerships where knowledge, resources and ideas are exchanged between all members. This concept relies on the principles of connecting, planning, acting, observing, reporting, and reflecting which lay the framework for project implementation. The team hoped that these principles would promote the sharing of knowledge and ideas that would ultimately encourage us to learn from one another, and the Langrug community. By consistently sharing thoughts and information with each other, in addition to tracking progress, the team aimed to be able to work more closely and achieve greater success.

An important aspect that was considered is how to implement the Shared Action Learning principles to aid in the sustainability of this project. One effective method the team hoped to utilize was the open sharing of ideas between the group and the community. Establishing open lines of communication was critical to this project’s development. Maintaining communication between sponsors, our group and the community was critical to ensure the goals and interests of all partners were heard.

Another aspect of SAL that was critical to our project was reporting from the community members, sponsors, and our team. If all partners are aware of the tasks and accomplishments achieved by members of the group, the team will work productively together. This concept also allowed for members of the group to be held accountable for completing tasks and reporting outcomes. For this project specifically, documentation of actions will be important if the business plan is to be replicated in the future.